You've probably heard someone say that cracks in the windshield need to be repaired before they get too big, but how do you know when a windshield crack is too big? Whether a crack in your windshield can be repaired depends on the location and size of the crack. Fortunately, there are several ways you can determine whether a crack can be repaired before you call a repair shop.
Look at the Size of the Chip or Crack
Analyzing the size of the chip or crack in your windshield is a good way to determine whether your windshield can be repaired or will need to be replaced. Most windshield repair shops will repair chips in windshields that are less than the size of a quarter and windshield cracks that are less than three inches long. However, you can find windshield service shops that repair cracks that are up to 12 inches long using advanced techniques. Remember, the length of a crack isn't the only thing a shop looks at to determine whether a crack can be repaired, so each situation needs to be evaluated by a professional. For example, your local windshield repair shop might be able to repair a 10-inch crack that isn't deep, but they likely can't repair a deep two-inch crack.
Consider the Location of the Damage
If the crack in your windshield is within your line of vision, your local windshield repair shop may not repair it. When shops repair glass, it can leave the glass slightly discolored or foggy, and you don't want to take a chance that repairs will impair your view of the road.
Chips and cracks that sit along a windshield's edge can't typically be repaired because the repair could compromise the bond between the frame of the car and the windshield. Also, if the crack is on the inside of your windshield or it sits over an internal radio antenna or rain sensor, there's a good chance that your entire windshield will need to be replaced.
Look at the Type of Damage
It isn't hard for a windshield repair shop to fix small chips, tiny radial cracks, or dings. However, if your windshield has a complex crack that veers in several different directions or a crack that's longer than 12 inches, it probably can't be repaired.
If you examine the location, type, and size of the crack or chip in your windshield, you'll have a good idea whether your windshield can be repaired before calling local windshield repair shops. If there isn't a lot of damage, you should take your car in for repairs quickly. This way, the crack or chip won't spread to the point that your entire windshield will need to be replaced. Take your car to a company like Ming Auto Beauty Center to get those chips and cracks repaired.
Share20 April 2016
After trying in vain to fix my car for a few months, I realized that I needed to hire a professional. I was tired of dealing with repairs that I was unfamiliar with, and I knew that I needed to get some help. I started looking around for a great auto mechanic, and even though one business was more expensive than others, I decided to work with them. They worked hard to fix my car, and I was really pleased with how great of a job they did. This blog is all about investing in proper auto service so that you don't have to deal with problems in the future.
